In July 2022 we recorded a Q&A about gaming and the benefits this activity can have for those engaged with it. Guest speakers included:

Andy Smith, founder/creative director of Spectrum Gaming (an online community for autistic young people which has three main intended outcomes: Building Friendships, Increasing Self-Acceptance and Advocacy) and Autistic adult.

Dan Clark, founder of MindJam (online 121 mentorship and guidance for children through gaming and game design) and parent of two Autistic children.

A recording of this Q&A is available to purchase for 30 days via our training hub.

• Neurodivergent young people and online games – Exploring neurodivergent young people’s views and experiences of online games
• Autism, Gaming and Screen Time by Steph’s Two Girls, the parent of a PDA young person
• Screen Time Dilemma – Living Lyman, the parent of a PDA young person
• 15 ways Adopt Me in Roblox can help teach kids new skills – PDA Parenting
• #MoreThanAGame is a Young Minds campaign which focuses on the benefits of gaming and developing a healthy relationship with gaming. Their information for young people and parents isn’t PDA-specific, therefore some of the ideas/tips will need some PDA adaptations.
• Spectrum Gaming is an online community for autistic young people which has three main intended outcomes: building friendships; increasing self-acceptance and advocacy. Their video: Why gaming is actually GOOD for autistic children explains some of the positives of gaming.
• MindJam – online one-to-one emotional support and guidance for children and adolescents through gaming and game design.
• TALK Checklist for Children with SEND by Internet Watch Foundation is a guide to keeping children safe from online sexual abuse.
• Talkback offers free cyber training resources for autistic people, including cyber bullying, cyber fraud and cyber security.